Biomedical subjects

S A Frew

Publications and source records attributed to S A Frew.

11 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed1990

Emergency medical services legal issues for the emergency physician.

This article discusses the elements of the legal system that impact emergency physicians and their legal responsibilities. It addresses the specific responsibilities of the emergency physician providing on-line direction to EMS units in the field, and the legal principles that control. Special emphasis is placed on compliance with new federal legislation and addressing medical-legal issues presented by field personnel during patient care situations.

Confidentiality↗

PubMed1988

COBRA: implications for emergency medicine.

The potential impact of COBRA is staggering and must be confronted. The ultimate scope and effects will take shape quickly. Federal regulations will provide some of the rules, but the most important definitions under the law will develop in court. Because of a lack of understanding hospitals may not have been in compliance with COBRA's strict terms since August 1986 and may only become educated on COBRA through the legal process. Currently, one COBRA lawsuit has been filed in the Chicago court system, and at least one physician group in California has paid a $25,000 fine for COBRA violations. Litigation in the initial phase of COBRA is likely as most hospitals continue to be unaware of the implications of COBRA legislation. EDs, emergency medical services programs, and interhospital transport programs must begin an immediate effort to examine and develop policies to comply with COBRA. Without an effective educational, compliance, and risk management effort, any emergency medical services program or hospital may become a defendant under COBRA legislation. Delays in understanding and implementing the requirements of COBRA may adversely affect the health care system rather than improve it.

Diagnosis-Related Groups↗

PubMed1988

COBRA 9121: Federal liability for patient screening and transfer.

Health care is no longer a simple cottage industry of individual providers. Increases in competition and government regulation have transformed the old structure of health care into a fend-for-yourself marketplace dominated by multi-institutional corporations. In order to accomplish this change, health care providers have had to alter their locus of attention from the patient to the bottom line. As a result, it is not surprising to find corporate business practices interspersed among the traditional health care practices. On March 1, 1987, the federal government began an assault on a casualty of this new market oriental philosophy, patient transfers or "dumping". COBRA 9121 is an "anti-dumping" law designed to prevent hospitals from continuing this practice. The vehicle for ensuring that the statute's broad provisions are followed is a set of "sudden death" probations. For example, under COBRA, hospitals found guilty of knowing or negligent violations may be suspended or terminated from receiving all Medicare reimbursement. One way to avoid these "sudden death" probations is to understand the implications of this law.

Emergency Service, Hospital↗

PubMed1981